Kiln Plantation

Wood, Forest in Derbyshire Derbyshire Dales

England

Kiln Plantation

Arbor Low henge - flat stones One of the earliest sites in England to have been designated a scheduled ancient monument, and one of the few to have been given a fully detailed description by Historic England (list entry 1011087), the henge consists of a stone circle within an elliptical bank and ditch (40m by 52m) with two entrances and a later bowl barrow. The immediate surrounding area contains a number of other tumuli, barrows and ancient earthworks. The dating is roughly Late Neolithic to Late Bronze Age (c.2400-1500BC).  

The stone circle itself originally comprised 41-43 upright limestone slabs, with some further stones at the centre representing a burial chamber (more than one burial was found during excavations at the site). The stones have at some time in the past been laid flat on the ground. An interpretation board on site attributes this to mediaeval superstition or religious persecution, but someone we met on site who seemed to know it well said he believed it was a more recent (19th century?) action.
Arbor Low henge - flat stones Credit: Stephen Craven

Kiln Plantation, located in Derbyshire, is a sprawling woodland area renowned for its natural beauty and diverse ecosystem. Covering an extensive area, it is considered one of the largest plantations in the region. The plantation is primarily composed of dense deciduous trees, including oak, beech, birch, and ash, which create a lush and vibrant forest.

The plantation offers a sanctuary for a wide range of wildlife species, attracting nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers from near and far. Visitors can spot woodland birds such as woodpeckers, owls, and tits, as well as larger mammals like deer and foxes.

The woodland is crisscrossed by numerous well-maintained trails, making it a popular destination for hikers, joggers, and dog walkers. These paths wind through the plantation, providing visitors with the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. Along the way, there are several designated picnic areas where visitors can relax and admire the scenic views.

Kiln Plantation is also home to a variety of plant species, with bluebells carpeting the forest floor in the springtime, creating a breathtaking display of color. The plantation's rich biodiversity is a testament to its well-preserved and protected environment.

In addition to its natural beauty, Kiln Plantation offers educational opportunities for schools and groups interested in learning about woodland ecosystems and conservation. The site has dedicated educational facilities and hosts workshops and guided tours to promote environmental awareness.

Overall, Kiln Plantation is a cherished natural gem in Derbyshire, providing a haven for wildlife, recreational activities, and educational experiences for visitors of all ages.

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Kiln Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.163415/-1.7396043 or Grid Reference SK1762. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Arbor Low henge - flat stones One of the earliest sites in England to have been designated a scheduled ancient monument, and one of the few to have been given a fully detailed description by Historic England (list entry 1011087), the henge consists of a stone circle within an elliptical bank and ditch (40m by 52m) with two entrances and a later bowl barrow. The immediate surrounding area contains a number of other tumuli, barrows and ancient earthworks. The dating is roughly Late Neolithic to Late Bronze Age (c.2400-1500BC).  

The stone circle itself originally comprised 41-43 upright limestone slabs, with some further stones at the centre representing a burial chamber (more than one burial was found during excavations at the site). The stones have at some time in the past been laid flat on the ground. An interpretation board on site attributes this to mediaeval superstition or religious persecution, but someone we met on site who seemed to know it well said he believed it was a more recent (19th century?) action.
Arbor Low henge - flat stones
One of the earliest sites in England to have been designated a scheduled ancient monument, and one of the few to have been given a fully detailed description by Historic England (list entry 1011087), the henge consists of a stone circle within an elliptical bank and ditch (40m by 52m) with two entrances and a later bowl barrow. The immediate surrounding area contains a number of other tumuli, barrows and ancient earthworks. The dating is roughly Late Neolithic to Late Bronze Age (c.2400-1500BC). The stone circle itself originally comprised 41-43 upright limestone slabs, with some further stones at the centre representing a burial chamber (more than one burial was found during excavations at the site). The stones have at some time in the past been laid flat on the ground. An interpretation board on site attributes this to mediaeval superstition or religious persecution, but someone we met on site who seemed to know it well said he believed it was a more recent (19th century?) action.
Arbor Low henge - ditch and bank One of the earliest sites in England to have been designated a scheduled ancient monument, and one of the few to have been given a fully detailed description by Historic England (list entry 1011087), the henge consists of a stone circle within an elliptical bank and ditch (40m by 52m) with two entrances and a later bowl barrow. The immediate surrounding area contains a number of other tumuli, barrows and ancient earthworks. The dating is roughly Late Neolithic to Late Bronze Age (c.2400-1500BC).  

The ditch and bank are seen here from the top of the bank.  The site was fully excavated c.1902, so the exact profile of the bank is probably not original.
Arbor Low henge - ditch and bank
One of the earliest sites in England to have been designated a scheduled ancient monument, and one of the few to have been given a fully detailed description by Historic England (list entry 1011087), the henge consists of a stone circle within an elliptical bank and ditch (40m by 52m) with two entrances and a later bowl barrow. The immediate surrounding area contains a number of other tumuli, barrows and ancient earthworks. The dating is roughly Late Neolithic to Late Bronze Age (c.2400-1500BC). The ditch and bank are seen here from the top of the bank. The site was fully excavated c.1902, so the exact profile of the bank is probably not original.
Arbor Low henge - VR boundary stone The boundary stones around the henge are not ancient, but were added around the time the site was excavated c.1902 (at the end of the Victorian era). Some of them therefore have the initials VR, and some GR, for Victoria and her successor King George.
Arbor Low henge - VR boundary stone
The boundary stones around the henge are not ancient, but were added around the time the site was excavated c.1902 (at the end of the Victorian era). Some of them therefore have the initials VR, and some GR, for Victoria and her successor King George.
Field scabious Flowers growing on the bank of Arbor Low henge.
Field scabious
Flowers growing on the bank of Arbor Low henge.
Approaching the entrance to Arbor Low henge  The elliptical henge originally had two opposite entrances, but this is the one used by visitors approaching on the permitted route through Upper Oldhams Farm.
Approaching the entrance to Arbor Low henge
The elliptical henge originally had two opposite entrances, but this is the one used by visitors approaching on the permitted route through Upper Oldhams Farm.
View from Arbor Low towards Gib Hill  Gib Hill is a burial mound or barrow, somewhat camouflaged in this view against a distant hill (roughly in the centre of the picture, a bit to the left of the cow in the foreground).  The two sites are believed to be associated but are separately scheduled.
View from Arbor Low towards Gib Hill
Gib Hill is a burial mound or barrow, somewhat camouflaged in this view against a distant hill (roughly in the centre of the picture, a bit to the left of the cow in the foreground). The two sites are believed to be associated but are separately scheduled.
Upper Oldhams Farm A beef farm close to Arbor Low henge. There is no public right of way through this farm or its surrounding fields, but visitors are invited to contribute £1 by way of purchasing a temporary right of passage to the henge.
Upper Oldhams Farm
A beef farm close to Arbor Low henge. There is no public right of way through this farm or its surrounding fields, but visitors are invited to contribute £1 by way of purchasing a temporary right of passage to the henge.
Track to Upper Oldhams Farm A beef farm close to Arbor Low henge. There is no public right of way through this farm or its surrounding fields, but visitors are invited to contribute £1 by way of purchasing a temporary right of passage to the henge.
Track to Upper Oldhams Farm
A beef farm close to Arbor Low henge. There is no public right of way through this farm or its surrounding fields, but visitors are invited to contribute £1 by way of purchasing a temporary right of passage to the henge.
Signs to Arbor Low and Upper Oldhams A beef farm close to Arbor Low henge. There is no public right of way through this farm or its surrounding fields, but visitors are invited to contribute £1 by way of purchasing a temporary right of passage to the henge, and the English Heritage car park is part way up this track.
Signs to Arbor Low and Upper Oldhams
A beef farm close to Arbor Low henge. There is no public right of way through this farm or its surrounding fields, but visitors are invited to contribute £1 by way of purchasing a temporary right of passage to the henge, and the English Heritage car park is part way up this track.
Minor road below Arbor Low Note the rosebay-willowherb growing in the verge.  This plant seems to be generally less abundant than it was when I was young, but we saw quite a bit of it in Derbyshire on this occasion.
Minor road below Arbor Low
Note the rosebay-willowherb growing in the verge. This plant seems to be generally less abundant than it was when I was young, but we saw quite a bit of it in Derbyshire on this occasion.
Blakemoor Plantation
Blakemoor Plantation
High Peak Trail east of Caskinlow Farm The Pennine Bridleway is a new National Trail.
It runs roughly parallel with the Pennine Way but provides access for horseback riders and cyclists as well as walkers. The trail is around 205 miles long, extending from Derbyshire to Cumbria.
Wikipedia: <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pennine_Bridleway" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pennine_Bridleway">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
High Peak Trail east of Caskinlow Farm
The Pennine Bridleway is a new National Trail. It runs roughly parallel with the Pennine Way but provides access for horseback riders and cyclists as well as walkers. The trail is around 205 miles long, extending from Derbyshire to Cumbria. Wikipedia: LinkExternal link
Scrub and trees by High Peak Trail The High Peak Trail follows the route of the Cromford and High Peak Railway which was completed in 1831 and axed as part of the Beeching cuts in the 1960s.
Scrub and trees by High Peak Trail
The High Peak Trail follows the route of the Cromford and High Peak Railway which was completed in 1831 and axed as part of the Beeching cuts in the 1960s.
Farmland east of High Peak Trail near Brundcliffe The High Peak Trail follows the route of the Cromford and High Peak Railway which was completed in 1831 and axed as part of the Beeching cuts in the 1960s.
Farmland east of High Peak Trail near Brundcliffe
The High Peak Trail follows the route of the Cromford and High Peak Railway which was completed in 1831 and axed as part of the Beeching cuts in the 1960s.
Entrance road to Brundcliffe Brundcliffe is a small farm by the High Peak Trail
Entrance road to Brundcliffe
Brundcliffe is a small farm by the High Peak Trail
High Peak Trail passing Brundcliffe The High Peak Trail follows the route of the Cromford and High Peak Railway which was completed in 1831 and axed as part of the Beeching cuts in the 1960s.
High Peak Trail passing Brundcliffe
The High Peak Trail follows the route of the Cromford and High Peak Railway which was completed in 1831 and axed as part of the Beeching cuts in the 1960s.
Track to A515 from High Peak Trail The OS map notes a tumulus in the stand of trees on the skyline
Track to A515 from High Peak Trail
The OS map notes a tumulus in the stand of trees on the skyline
Green Lane to A515
Green Lane to A515
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Kiln Plantation is located at Grid Ref: SK1762 (Lat: 53.163415, Lng: -1.7396043)

Administrative County: Derbyshire

District: Derbyshire Dales

Police Authority: Derbyshire

What 3 Words

///placed.forest.height. Near Newhaven, Derbyshire

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Located within 500m of 53.163415,-1.7396043
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Lat/Long: 53.1647154/-1.732795
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Lat/Long: 53.1652866/-1.7334187
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Lat/Long: 53.1658652/-1.7340255
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